ID readies “Did He Do It?”, “Death By Gossip”

U.S. net Investigation Discovery has signed on for a legal showdown between trial lawyers Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Darren Kavinoky, as well as a series on gossip-fueled crimes featuring talk show host Wendy Williams (pictured).

U.S. net Investigation Discovery (ID) has signed on for a legal showdown between prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and defense attorney Darren Kavinoky, as well as a series on gossip-fueled crimes.

The latter show, titled Death by Gossip with Wendy Williams, is produced by the talk show host’s (pictured) prodco Wendy Williams Productions (WWP) in association with m2 Pictures, and is to investigate crimes prompted “by rumors and sordid half-truths that lead to the ultimate betrayal.”

“From a respected English teacher’s very own Shakespearean tragedy entangled by sex, greed and betrayal, to a college kid wrapped up in a twisted love triangle with a dash of black magic, Death by Gossip warns viewers of the tempting grapevine, because it can quickly strangle the most unsuspecting of prattlers,” reads a statement from the net.

Death by Gossip is to premiere this fall. Wendy Hunter, Kevin Hunter, Jill Ramsey and Lisa Knapp are executive producers for WWP, while Mike Sinclair, David O’Donnell and Ashley Crary are exec producing for m2 Pictures. For Investigation Discovery, Thomas Cutler is serving as executive producer.

“There’s nobody better than the daring doyenne of daytime, Wendy Williams, to offer this cautionary tale to those who indulge in chatter and innuendo,” said Henry Schleiff, group president of Discovery Networks, in a statement. “Death by Gossip proves that sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can really kill you.”

Elsewhere, ID has also signed on for the series Did He Do It?, which pits Brooklyn District Attorney prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi against defense attorney and ID host Darren Kavinoky as they go head-to-head on various legal cases.

The six-part series – which debuts on April 2 at 10 p.m. EST/PST – follows the pair as they present prosecution and defense arguments for an array of famous homicide trials. Each episode details a single case, along with commentary from the lawyers as well as friends, family, law enforcement and victims of the crimes.

“With two of the best lawyers in the world presenting their respective sides of the case, viewers will be able to view the evidence from the unique perspectives of both the prosecution and the defense,” said Kevin Bennett, GM of ID, in a statement.

Did He Do It? is produced by Britespark Media, with Nick Godwin serving as executive producer and Kim Flitcroft as series producer. Ron Simon is exec producing for ID.